A Draft for

A Sinner's Epitaph

and

A Gentleman's Resolutions

Initially documented on July 15, 1998

Revised version: January 26, 2001

Like so many before me, I am submerged in a pool of distracting pleasure and pain. I know this physical world is real, but not Genuine. My inner heart hungers for true virtue and rescue from these deceitful hours. But the disease of forgetfulness plagues my waking moments. As a sky dappled with many clouds, only on occasion does the light of truth pierce my wayward mind and illumine my hidden heart. I then remember that my less-than-perfect living will reap sorrow, pain and unending regret. In my quest for happiness, I begin to set down a collection of goals and reminders which I will continuously refine.

I hearby resolve:

1. Purpose

1. 1. To remember that James Warren Roland exists to:
   2. 
      
      

Glorify God and enjoy Him forever

1. 1. 1. With all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.
      2. For every moment of all eternity.
      3. With all effort toward immaculate holiness.
      4. 
         
         
   2. To remember and pursue my Values:

1. 1. 1. To Serve and enjoy my family and friends, doing to them what I would want them to do to me.
      2. To Suck the marrow of life.
      3. To Contribute to, and enjoy my life's work.
      4. 
         
         
2. Roles:

To do rightly, seeking happiness, fulfillment and quality of life as required in each of my roles as a:

Created Man, Worshiper of God, Vowed Husband, Blessed Father, Grateful Son, Faithful Brother, Real Friend, Loyal Citizen, Active Community Member, Dutiful Minister, Dedicated Scholar, HumbleTeacher, Life-long Student, Responsible Church Member, Honest Employee, Entrusted Steward, Helpful Co-worker, Enthusiast Seaman, and Amateur Artist/Craftsman.

1. Motivation:

1. 1. Because the unseen holds the greatest rewards, I will take more chances.
   2. Because the present is quickly fleeting, I will reflect more often.
   3. Because the first shall be last, I will serve more often.
   4. Because the things of this world will pass away, I will store up more treasures in Heaven.
   5. Because the Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, I will seek Him in Truth.
   6. 
      
      
      
      
2. Personal Strengths:

To recognize my strengths and develop talents as a person who is a leader, artistic, longing for God, lover of wisdom, open-minded, and insightful.

1. Personal Weaknesses:

To humble myself by acknowledging that, while I am not utterly depraved, I am often selfish, uncommitted and introverted. To amend by constantly striving to transform these weaknesses into strengths.

1. Personal Goals:

To train myself to become a person whom:

1. 1. All men find friendly, caring, wise and trustworthy.
   2. My friends uphold as dependable, learned and selfless.
   3. My children uphold as caring, fun and God-honoring.
   4. My parents uphold as a blessing.
   5. My wife upholds as loving, compassionate, courageous, honoring, and faithful to all my vows as Christ is to the Church.
   6. 
      
      

1. To revere and pursue the Supreme Virtues.

Temperance

to govern the

Appetite:

1. Non-materialism, to use things for what they were intended.
2. Open-mindedness
3. Self-government of

- Conscience

- Tongue

- Mental, Emotional, Spiritual, Social and Physical well-being

1. Enjoyment of simple pleasures
2. Gentleness

Courage

to govern the

Spirit:

1. Love and Kindness
2. Bravery
3. Perseverance, for myself and others, in the face of mistreatment, injustice and the impossible.
4. Self-confidence
5. Seizing the Day
6. Walking with Humility
7. 
   
   

Prudence

to govern

Reason:

1. Foresight
2. Patience
3. Organization
4. Selflessness
5. Insightfulness
6. God & Principle-centeredness
7. Love of God, Scripture and Prayer

Justice

to govern the

Whole:

1. Ethical sensibility
2. Generosity--because I was given the greatest gift.
3. Faithfulness--keep my word
4. Obedience to Christ alone
5. Love mercy
6. Zealous protection of the weak
7. To admit my wrongs quickly and willingly.

VIII. To yearly refine this statement of resolutions on my birthday. To enlarge the scope and depth of its model aspirations and recommit myself to living daily by its standards.

IX. To lovingly nurture my children in their early years and teach them to love God and obey Him always.

James W. Roland

Oxford

July 15, 1998